At the UK's biggest container port, over 300 electrical heaters with the potential to cause harm have been seized by the imports surveillance team based at Suffolk's Port of Felixstowe, preventing their sale on Amazon.
The heaters were found to pose a significant risk of electrocution due to hazardous parts being easily accessible through the grills on the front, which could be opened by hand. Furthermore, the supply voltage requirements stated on the heaters were incompatible with the UK power network, creating a danger of explosion or electric shock.
Suffolk Trading Standards has confirmed that the listing for these unsafe heaters has been removed, protecting shoppers from unintentionally putting themselves in danger. Graham Crisp, the head of Suffolk Trading Standards, emphasized the importance of only shopping at reputable retailers and ensuring that all electrical equipment has a CE and/or UKCA mark.
Andrew Reid, Suffolk County Council's cabinet member for public health and protection, urged all residents to follow safety precautions when heating their homes with electric heaters, particularly during colder temperatures. Heaters should never be used for drying clothes, plugged into an extension lead, or placed near curtains and furniture.
The popularity of electric heaters has risen substantially since energy costs increased last year, with many being purchased from online marketplaces. Any individual who believes they may have purchased a dangerous heater should immediately cease using it and contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133.